Resource Hub
A comprehensive directory of government, financial, career, mental health, and union resources for CDC employees affected by RIF or termination.
Government Resources
Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
OPM is the federal government's human resources agency. It establishes the regulations governing RIF procedures (5 CFR Part 351), manages the retirement systems (FERS and CSRS), and oversees the FEHB health insurance program. OPM's website provides detailed guidance on RIF regulations, retention standing, and employee rights.
Visit opm.govMerit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)
The MSPB is an independent agency that adjudicates appeals from federal employees who have been subjected to adverse personnel actions, including RIF separations. If you need to appeal your RIF, you will file with the MSPB. The website provides instructions for filing appeals, case law resources, and information about the appeals process.
Visit mspb.govFederal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)
The FLRA oversees labor-management relations in the federal government. It adjudicates unfair labor practice charges and resolves disputes about the scope of bargaining. If the agency fails to properly bargain over RIF impact and implementation, your union can file a ULP charge with the FLRA.
Visit flra.govUSAJobs
The official federal government job site. All competitive service vacancies are posted here. Create a profile, upload your resume, and set up job search agents to be notified when positions matching your qualifications are posted. Use the "Special Hiring Authorities" filter to find positions that accept CTAP and ICTAP candidates.
Visit usajobs.govOffice of Special Counsel (OSC)
OSC investigates whistleblower retaliation claims and prohibited personnel practices. If you believe your RIF was retaliatory, file a complaint with OSC. OSC also operates the whistleblower disclosure channel for reporting waste, fraud, and abuse.
Visit osc.govEqual Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
The EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. For federal employees, the EEOC provides appellate review of agency EEO decisions. The EEOC website has information about the federal sector complaint process and your rights under anti-discrimination laws.
Visit eeoc.govFinancial Resources
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Access your TSP account to manage investments, review your balance, and explore withdrawal options after separation. The TSP website has calculators, educational materials, and information about your distribution options, including the separation-from-service withdrawal and rollovers.
Visit tsp.govState Unemployment Insurance
Federal employees separated through RIF are eligible for unemployment compensation administered by their state. File with your state's unemployment insurance agency as soon as possible after separation. Each state has its own website and filing process. For Georgia residents: search for the Georgia Department of Labor unemployment insurance portal.
Find Your State Unemployment OfficeFEHB Plan Information
Review your FEHB plan options and understand your coverage continuation rights. OPM's FEHB website provides plan comparison tools, information about Temporary Continuation of Coverage (TCC), and guidance on converting to individual policies or enrolling through the Healthcare Marketplace.
Visit OPM HealthcareHealthcare.gov (Health Insurance Marketplace)
If you lose your FEHB coverage and need health insurance, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the Marketplace. Depending on your income, you may qualify for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Compare plans and estimate costs on the Marketplace website.
Visit healthcare.govFinancial Counseling
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) provides free and low-cost financial counseling services that can help you create a budget, manage debt, and plan for the financial transition. Many employers, including some federal agencies, also offer financial wellness programs through their Employee Assistance Programs.
Visit nfcc.orgCareer Resources
Federal Resume Writing
Federal resumes differ significantly from private-sector resumes. They are typically longer (3-5 pages), include detailed descriptions of duties and accomplishments, and must address specific qualification requirements. USAJobs provides a resume builder tool, and there are numerous guides available for crafting effective federal resumes.
USAJobs Resume TipsCareerOneStop
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop provides career exploration tools, training finder, job search resources, and information about American Job Centers in your area where you can get free in-person career assistance. These centers offer resume help, interview preparation, job search workshops, and connections to local employers.
Visit careeronestop.orgLinkedIn and Professional Networking
Update your LinkedIn profile, connect with former colleagues, and join groups related to public health, federal employment, and your professional specialty. Many positions, especially in the private sector, are filled through networking. CDC alumni groups and professional associations in public health, epidemiology, and laboratory science can be valuable networking resources.
Visit linkedin.comState and Local Government Jobs
Many CDC skills transfer directly to state and local public health departments. Check your state's job portal and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for public health positions. Georgia state government jobs are posted on the Team Georgia Careers portal.
Georgia State CareersAcademic and Research Positions
For scientists and researchers, academic institutions are natural landing spots. HigherEdJobs, the Chronicle of Higher Education, and discipline-specific job boards (such as those maintained by the American Public Health Association or the American Society for Microbiology) list academic and research positions. Emory University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, both located near CDC headquarters, frequently hire professionals with CDC backgrounds.
Visit higheredjobs.comMental Health & Support
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The federal Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential counseling and support services to federal employees and their families. EAP services are typically available for a period after separation (usually up to 90 days). Services include short-term counseling, crisis intervention, referrals to community resources, and help with stress management, financial concerns, and life transitions. Contact the Federal Occupational Health (FOH) EAP at 1-800-222-0364 (TTY: 1-888-262-7848).
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also chat online at 988lifeline.org. This service is free and confidential.
Visit 988lifeline.orgSAMHSA National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
Visit SAMHSA HelplinePsychology Today Therapist Finder
If you are looking for a therapist, counselor, or support group in your area, Psychology Today's therapist finder allows you to search by location, insurance, specialty, and issue. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees for those experiencing financial hardship.
Find a TherapistVeterans Crisis Line
Federal employees who are veterans may access additional support through the Veterans Crisis Line. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 and provides confidential support to veterans, service members, and their families.
Visit Veterans Crisis LineUnion Resources
AFGE Local 2883
Your local union is your first point of contact for any RIF-related questions, assistance, or representation. Our stewards and officers are trained to help you navigate the RIF process, review your notice for errors, explain your appeal rights, and connect you with legal representation when needed.
Contact AFGE Local 2883AFGE National
AFGE National provides resources, legal guidance, and legislative advocacy on behalf of all AFGE members. The national website includes information about RIF rights, member benefits, political action, and union programs. AFGE's General Counsel office provides legal support for significant cases affecting the union and its members.
Visit afge.orgAFGE Council 222 (HHS Council)
AFGE Council 222 represents AFGE locals within the Department of Health and Human Services, including CDC locals. The council coordinates bargaining, legal, and legislative efforts across HHS agencies and can provide additional support and resources for RIF-affected employees.
Learn More About AFGE HHS CouncilUnion Plus Benefits
Union Plus provides exclusive benefits and discounts for union members, including hardship help programs for members facing financial difficulty due to job loss. Benefits include mortgage and credit card assistance, scholarship programs, and discounts on insurance, travel, and consumer services.
Visit unionplus.orgCannot Find What You Need?
This resource hub is regularly updated, but if you need information that is not listed here, contact AFGE Local 2883 and we will help you find the right resource.